Documentaries, animation and VR experiences in an immersive exhibition at KineDok Brașov on November 5

The 10th-anniversary edition of the European program KineDok, dedicated to promoting creative documentaries in alternative venues, continues in Brașov with a premiere on November 5: a VR exhibition where visitors can interact with two films that create a unique, immersive experience.

The local edition is organized in collaboration between the One World Romania Association, national organizer, and Artburg Cultural Association, the program's local organizer and long-time partner. KineDok Brașov is a project funded by the Brașov County Council.

The two featured works, Darkening by Ondřej Moravec and Goodbye Mr. Octopus by Amaury Campion, blend animation, documentary and autobiography elements to tell stories of coming-of-age, transformation and personal identity discovery. Through the use of VR headsets and a specially designed environment, viewers can connect with the stories and characters.

The event will take place at the Multicultural Center of Transilvania University on November 5, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission is free, but spaces are limited, so it's essential to reserve your preferred time slot in advance by filling out a short form. The exhibition lasts about an hour and includes a discussion with graphic designer Daniel Bratosin about the themes of the films and their technological context.

DARKENING, by Ondřej Moravec, CZ / DE, 2022, 25 min.

Through animation, Ondřej invites us into his intimate world, where depression has been a silent companion since childhood, echoing throughout his adult life. Alternating between the aesthetics of animation and virtual reality, the filmmaker shares the moments when his depression became apparent, along with the solutions he discovered to confront it. He illustrates how the resonance of his voice, shaped in various ways, becomes an essential tool in his journey.

Darkening was selected for the 2022 Venice Immersive competition at the Venice International Film Festival. This interactive film can be controlled by voice and touch and is not recommended for viewers under 12 years old.

GOODBYE MR. OCTOPUS, by Amaury Campion, FR / USA, 2020, 8 min.

Stella lives with her overly protective father, Leonard, while her mother, Liv, a renowned anthropologist and biologist, is far away, focusing on her career. On her birthday, Stella’s father refuses to let her attend a soccer tournament in Australia. Disappointed and ready to give up on the event, she finds unexpected support in a letter from her mother.

Goodbye Mr. Octopus was selected for the 2020 Venice VR Expanded competition at the Venice International Film Festival and is suitable for all ages.

Throughout October, the Brașov audience has had the chance to enjoy a selection of films at KineDok that aren’t available in mainstream theaters, as well as participate in discussions with filmmakers and experts from various fields. On October 29, Photophobia will be screened.